Philippines Lady Volcanoes set for ARWST 2017

The Philippine national women’s rugby team, more commonly known as the Lady Volcanoes, have their eyes set for this weekend in Vientiane, Laos.
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The Transcom Lady Volcanoes currently sit third in Southeast Asia; a promotion will boost the national team’s confidence ahead of the 2017 South-east Asian Games.

“A Trophy Series promotion would be amazing for the Women’s program. I have witnessed their progress since their outstanding Bronze medal finish at the 2015 SEA Games. I have all the confidence in the world if the girls play to the best of their ability they can secure a top two finish at the Trophy Series. This will be a boost ahead of the 2017 SEA Games’ shared Jake Letts, National Teams Head of Philippine Rugby.

The Asia Trophy Series will be a round robin format. The Philippines face Malaysia, India, Laos, Korea, Nepal and Pakistan across two days of competition. The Volcanoes recorded a loss to India back in 2015 however, have seen success over Korea, Laos and Malaysia in the past, whereas Nepal and Pakistan are new opponents. The top two gain promotion to Asia’s elite, solidifying a top 8 ranking in in all of Asia. The top 8 teams compete each year in the Asian Sevens Series to be held in Hong Kong, Korea and Sri Lanka through September and October.

Team Philippines have been boosted by Fil-foreigners Ada Milby, Trixie Pacis and Tanya Bird; all three players have been selected to boost the Lady Volcanoes size and experience on the rugby 7s pitch. All other athletes are locally homegrown and developed under Head Coach Shirley Russell, Aiden Ng and Chris Everingham.